Texas Partnership to Create Largest Artificial Reef in the State

Gulf of Mexico artificial reef project will see 500 specially designed pyramids placed around 381 acres six miles off of Port O’Connor.

An ambitious plan to create habitat for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico will be undertaken between three conservation groups and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

500 specially designed concrete pyramids will be sunk into Gulf waters some six miles off the coast of Texas thanks to $1 million in private donations, $400,000 from the TPWD, and $300,000 from Coastal Conservation Association Texas and CCA Building Conservation Trust.

The project is slated to create an artificial reef in 60-70 feet of water around about 381 acres near Matagorda Island. The unique concrete pyramids will be placed in such a way that will produce habitat for sportfish and other marine life that is deemed crucial for the Gulf.

Carter Smith, TPWD executive director said, “Biologically, (manmade reefs) they’re very important. They provide habitat for an incredible diversity of marine life. They’re great places to fish and dive, of course. And that’s good. But they are not simply fish aggregators; they are functioning ecosystems.”

Since the artificial reefs are very important and attractive to marine life, sportfishermen are extremely excited about the possibility and new opportunities. Species said to be benefitted by the reefs include such fishing favorites as red snapper, mackerel, cobia, and amberjack.

Placement of the pyramids on the reef site could begin as early as later this year, with the positioning of the initial 500 concrete structures completed before June 2017.